The Layoff Payoff: A Severance Package

Some job hunters may know how to negotiate their salaries and benefits when they are hired, but they may not realize they can negotiate how they depart. Most employers offer a severance agreement that outlines the financial terms on which the employee will leave the company. Negotiating a suitable agreement involves considering how to conduct yourself during discussions with the employer, the cash and benefits you need to survive, and whether to hire legal help. Negotiating this accord can ease your transition to a new job, relieve stress and possibly provide a nice financial cushion. However, a monetary arrangement isn't the only topic to discuss during this deal. Continuation of insurance benefits, assistance finding another job and other perks can also be bargained for. Your power in this negotiation comes from the fact that companies don't want you to bad-mouth them or sue. They may not want you to work for, or share secrets with, their competitors.

Advance PlanningIf rumors of layoffs are in the air, the option of quitting before the ax drops may tempt you, but staying may place you in a position to claim unemployment insurance and receive a severance package. Prepare in advance, whether you expect to be dismissed or not. Review your resources and your critical expenses to determine your financial needs. Create a list of the top benefits you want to negotiate. Examine the company's severance policy, and find out what former colleagues have received.

When the Ax DropsIf you are indeed dismissed, take notes during the termination meeting and don't feel pressured to sign the severance agreement immediately. Stall for time to review the document and think it through. Typically, you will have 21 days to accept the agreement. Once it's signed, you have seven days to change your mind.

After an initial review of the agreement, you may decide to hire a lawyer, especially if you have evidence of discrimination, if the language in the package is too complicated or broad, or if the agreement is several pages long. Ask the lawyer what state laws govern severance agreements and if certain stipulations exist regarding timing and payment amounts. Also, talk to local placement and recruitment agencies to determine how long it may take you to get a new job at the same level and salary.

Once you've made sense of the agreement, you should consider negotiating the following terms:

The severance pay offered is typically one to two weeks for every year worked but can be more. If the job loss will create an economic hardship, discuss this with your (former) employer. The general practice is to try to get four weeks of severance pay for each year worked. Middle managers and executives usually receive a higher amount. For instance, some executives may receive pay for more than a year.

What will happen to your retirement plan, pension plan and stock plan varies by state and by employer. Request a copy of the policies and review them with your attorney.

Many employers provide outplacement services. Ask that the service stay with you until you find a new job and try to choose the service yourself. Specify what you'll need from the outplacement firm, such as one-on-one counseling services, retraining, a phone, an office and secretarial support.

Try to construct an agreed-upon announcement of your departure and a recommendation letter. Ask to draft the documents yourself, and make sure to include your major accomplishments. Attach the letters to the agreement.

Finally, find out if you can keep any company perks, such as a laptop, and have the employer acknowledge this in writing. Some other options to consider include extending your use of the company car or your company-sponsored health club membership.

Other LifelinesThe Federal-State Unemployment Compensation Program provides temporary financial assistance for unemployed workers. However, you must have lost the job through no fault of your own, and that's determined by state law. The benefits, which are taxable, usually last around 26 weeks, but the state may extend them when unemployment is high. Make sure your employer doesn't dispute your claim for this compensation.

Staying Ahead of the GameOne of the best times to alleviate the setback of a job loss is during the initial interview for the position. Discuss whether the company offers severance and how it's provided. Stay prepared at all times for a job termination by keeping a track record of your performance and accomplishments to help in the negotiation process. Also, stay informed of any updates to your employer's workplace policies, especially the severance agreement.

PitfallsKeep in mind that while most companies offer a severance agreement, they are not required to do so. Also, clauses vary depending on state law and the industry. Finally, employees that are among a few dismissed have more of an opportunity to negotiate the terms within the agreement. In a mass layoff, a standardized package may be offered, and an employer is less likely to deviate from this contract.

The Bottom LineIf you are laid off from your job, it's just as important to negotiate on your way out as it is to negotiate on your way in. Because former employers have an interest in keeping you happy, you'll often have some room to bargain. Do some research to find out what severance benefits you can reasonably expect from your company, and then do your best to maximize them. Remember, you have nothing to lose, and you'll never know what you might get unless you ask.